NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Residents in 25 western counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for help buying food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday. Beginning October 18, D-SNAP will open to individuals and households not currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits who were impacted by Helene. Man accused of threatening FEMA workers with assault rifle in western North Carolina People can start applying for assistance three days before the program starts during online pre-registration beginning Oct. 15 and will have seven days from the start of the program to apply. The application period will close on Oct. 24, 2024. NCDHHS estimates more than 150,000 people will apply for up to $120 million in D-SNAP benefits. "We are making up to $120 million available to more than 150,000 individuals to buy food for their families — an essential step on the road to recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Helene," said N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. "We are committed to using every tool to support the recovery of our friends, families, and fellow North Carolinians in western NC — now and for the long haul." Eligible households will be notified within three days of completing the application and receive a one-time benefit on an Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT card to help buy food. The exact amount will depend on household size, income and disaster losses. The benefits are good for up to nine months. Benefit cards will be available for pick up at the D-SNAP locations in each county or you can get the EBT card mailed to you overnight at the address you specify on your application. To be eligible, you must: Live in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties. Be a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians living in zip code 28719 Have suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income. Have proof of identity and proof of residency (if available). Have income and resources below certain levels. Not currently be receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program. People receiving FNS can also get extra help buying food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application. They can get more information about how to get the extra help on the FNS webpage. For more information and details on how to apply, visit the NCDHHS website.